Category: Special Event

The biggest game in college basketball is here, so what else is there to do but mix up a drink, turn it on, and get wild. Mix these up and the [Tar Heels or Wildcats] won’t be the only winners tonight!

The Wild-Rita

1.5 oz. 1800 Silver

0.5 oz. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

0.5 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

0.5 oz. Lime Juice Cordial

0.25 oz. Green Chartreuse

Method: Shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

The Tarheel Three Pointer

2 oz Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

1/4 oz shot triple sec

1/4 oz shot Bols Blue Curacao Liqueur

1 oz fresh lime juice

Method: Shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Last Saturday, the Asheville Brewer’s Alliance had their first (and hopefully annual) Asheville Beer Expo, a beer fest meant to showcase and educate about the liquid that makes most of Western North Carolina run. Over 30 area breweries were on hand to showcase some of their best wares. In addition, other local businesses, like Roots Hummus and French Broad Chocolates, were there, allowing expo-goers to sample their delicious, delicious wares.

What was of particular enjoyment to me at this festival (aside from the friends, the great beer, and the friendly atmosphere) was that it didn’t feel like a typical beer fest. In that, I mean that there weren’t people (and I have been one of them at various points) simply getting drunk on trying to sample as many things as possible. Instead, with five tokens, you took your time with your beers, you sipped and discussed and sipped again. You tried the food, you talked to the vendors, and you got some more beer after that. This kind of atmosphere, plus the four panel sessions open to anyone on a variety of topics, made the day incredibly enjoyable from beginning to end.

Are you happy with the results from last night? Pissed off beyond belief? Either way, you could probably use a drink, so you’re in the right place. Check out these Oscar-worthy cocktails and keep the party going because, let’s face it, who really likes Mondays anyway?

Grey Goose Femme Confidante

35ml GREY GOOSE L’Orange

20ml cold Lady Grey tea sourced from the Rare Tea Company

10ml Grand Marnier

3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

1 dash of Peychauds bitters

Method: Stir and strain into a coupe glass and garnish with both a lemon and orange peel.

Basil Hayden’s Golden Spice

1 part Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

Sparkling Apple Juice

Method: Add Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to a champagne flute. Fill the remainder of the glass with sparkling apple juice. Garnish with a sliced apple.

The Lowlands Highball

1 1/2 ounces Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky

1/3 ounce Breckenridge Bitters

3/4 ounce Yuzu (mixed with lemon – 3 parts lemon: 1 part yuzu)

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

Port-Pomegranate Ice*

1 – 1 1/4 ounces Bitter Lemon Soda

Method: Combine all ingredients, except soda, in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake gently. Strain into Collins glass over flavored ice. Top with bitter-lemon soda. Mist with oil from orange twist, place twist on glass for garnish.